HC Deb 01 November 1995 vol 265 cc365-6W
Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to the answer of 2 May,Official Report, column 145, what materials are disclosed on the invoice held by the Treasury Solicitor as having been used to spray the Grays unemployment benefits office on 8 October 1991; [40223]

(2) what properties are claimed for the chemical compound Novastet in relation to extermination of cockroaches and other insects; and if she will make a statement; [40224]

(3) if it was an implied condition for the contractors who sprayed chemicals at the Grays unemployment benefit office on 8 October 1991 to have public liability insurance; and if she will make a statement; [40225]

(4) what was the nature of the insect infestation as a result of which the Grays unemployment benefit office was sprayed on 8 October 1991. [40226]

Mr. Forth

Responsibility for the subject of the questions has been delegated to the Employment Service under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from D.J. Lifton to Mr. Andrew Mackinlay, dated 1 November 1995:

The Secretary of State has asked me, in the absence of the Chief Executive, to reply to your questions about Grays Unemployment Benefit Office (UBO).

You asked what materials are disclosed on the invoice held by the Treasury Solicitor as having been used to spray Grays UBO on 8 October 1991. The invoice does not make reference to materials and I attach a copy (Annex 1) for information.

You also asked what properties are claimed for the chemical compound Novastet in relation to the extermination of cockroaches and other insects. The Chief Executive's letter to you of 5 October provided a copy of the latest manufacturer's Data Hazard Sheet for Novastet.

You asked whether it was an implied condition for the contractors who sprayed chemicals at Grays UBO on 8 October 1991 to have public liability insurance. I am advised that it was not.

Finally, you asked what was the nature of the insect infestation which led to the spraying at Grays UBO. I am advised that the insects were black beetles.

I hope this is helpful.

Annex 1: Invoice from CDR services to Grays Unemployment Benefit Office, Essex, dated 14 November 1991
Date Description Price VAT Total
U.B.O. Grays.
8 October 1991 Spraying to de-infest fleas £191.35 £33.46 £224.71